December3, 2013

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Eliot L. Engel, the senior Democratic Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding his appointment as the Chairman of the World Jewish Congress’ International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP).

“I’m honored to be appointed by the ICJP Steering Committee to head this important body. The ICJP represents Jewish parliamentarians from all over the world, and today’s meeting represents an important opportunity for Congress to hear from a broad array of Jewish voices on issues of mutual concern.”

“The last two days have included discussions among the ICJP Steering Committee about the concerns of the global Jewish community, such as the P5+1 negotiations with Iran, anti-Semitism, and the Syrian civil war. Out of these talks, the Committee has adopted resolutions on Iran, anti-Semitism in Europe, and anti-Semitism in Latin America. We have also begun the process of drafting a resolution on religious freedoms and practices in Europe. Finally, the Steering Committee and I have agreed to send President Obama a letter calling for the commutation of Jonathan Pollard’s prison sentence.”

“The work of the ICJP is important for Jews everywhere, and I am proud and honored to help lead and uphold its important mission.”